Purpose: There is still debate on classification, pathogenesis, and treatment of partial non-full thickness tears of the rotator cuff. We assessed mid-term outcome after arthroscopic repair.
Material and methods: Between 1990 and 1998, 208 partial tears of the rotator cuffs were treated in our unit. Eighty patients were reviewed by an examiner different and independent from the surgery team. The review included a physical examination, Constant score and radiography. The series included 42 men and 38 women, mean age 52 years (23–73) who were seen at a mean follow-up of 59 months (17–118). We identified four groups: group 1 included lesions of the deep articular aspect of the supraspinatus: 34 cases; group 2 included tears of the superficial aspect: 27 cases; group 3 included tears involving both the deep and superficial aspect without full-thickness tear on the preoperative arthrogram; and group 4 included lesions involving a partial tear of the supraspinatus associated with another articular lesion. Acromioplasty was performed in all cases associated with section of the acromiocoracoid ligament.
Results: Absolute Constant score progressed from 53 points preoperatively to 80 points at last follow-up. Mean Constant score of the contralateral shoulder was 87 points. There was a significant difference between outcome in the first three groups where the mean age was 50 years and the fourth group (trauma context) where the mean age was 36 years. Constant score was 84.7, 92, 92, and 73 for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. There was no statistically significant improvement compared with the preoperative Constant score (67 points). Radiographically, there was no change in the subacromial space. Superficial lesions were more frequently associated with type 3 acromial impingement.
Discussion: Globally, we observed a deterioration of outcome with time compared with the first review, with 76% satisfactory results at five years. The same outcome was obtained with superficial and deep lesions. We are in agreement with others that it is necessary to identify a subgroup of patients under 40 years of age with a partial tear of the rotator cuff in a trauma context. For these patients, arthroscopic acromioplasty is not a satisfactory therapeutic approach. The causal lesion (posterosuperior impingement, rim injury or instability) should be treated.
